There has been a settlement in Pickering for as long as man has inhabited this area of England. The area is steeped in history with many castles, monasteries and stately homes to explore. In 270BC, legend has it, that King Peredurus of the local Brigante tribe lost a ring whilst washing in the Costa Beck, it was later found in the stomach of a Pike and the town was named Pickering in that fishes honour. Pickering is at the crossing of two major roads and therefore has easy access to a very large area of North Yorkshire (Englands largest county). It is an ideal base to explore the Moors, coast and if you wish for peace and quiet in gentle rolling scenery, a day to the Yorkshire Wolds is recommended. This book gives a visitor to Pickering, a little of the history of the area and provides simple walks for those wishing to explore the area on foot. Most walks start from the Information Centre, being central for car parks, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and local bus services, including the excellent Moor Bus network. In Thornton le Dale I have started them from the central village car park. A free Pickering Visitor Guide is available at the Tourist Information Centre and is a useful companion to this book.